Kyoshi Charlotte Bailey (5th Dan)

I started training with my brother and sister at Nelson Shibu with Eiko Hanshi in 1981 at the age of 8 and had the privilege to be the first junior female to receive Shodan in Australasia at 15 in 1988. I have enjoyed visiting and training in other dojos around the Motu, Sydney and New York. Karate uniquely fosters a generosity of spirit, through handing down knowledge, sharing time inside and outside the dojo together.

My philosophy in life and karate has been shaped by this generosity of spirit, best summed up with the saying “give without remembering, receive without forgetting.”

I’m humbled to be part of our karate community building strong and confident people through incrementally finding growth outside their comfort zones. Giving people a safe space and the opportunity to be included in something that may seem to be out of their reach is a great gift to give.

This is the essence of Seido to include everybody no matter what challenges you may face.